ESPN Original Content is a non-fiction studio within ESPN charged with producing narrative non-fiction, documentaries, docuseries, and long and short form features for ESPN Original Content brands (30 for 30, ESPN Films, ESPN Original, 30 for 30 Podcasts, SEC Storied). We are seeking an experienced Line Producer who can balance creative objectives with the practical realities of budgets, schedules, and production logistics.
This role serves as a key operational leader across assigned projects – overseeing internal and third-party production As, providing financial and logistical management, and partnering closely with producers, directors, and internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with strong production management expertise and the ability to guide projects from development through delivery.
Responsibilities: (required)
- Understand the creative objectives of the project, provide leadership on productions from inception through final delivery to ensure creative alignment, managing logistics and finance to achieve the highest production value and editorial quality while ensuring productions are delivering on budget and on schedule.
- Work with leadership to implement best practice across all aspects of production for ESPN Original Content from development to distribution.
- Produce internal shoots as required, overseeing all operations: logistics, schedules, staffing, equipment, locations, schedules, COI’s, on site risk assessments, act as liaison between crew and director/producer, troubleshoot production issues that arise or remotely resolve issues that Producers experience in the field. Utilize forward thinking to manage any problems that may arise during filming.
- Create and manage internal unscripted project budgets: approve payments, track anticipated expenses, compile and review cost reports to ensure productions wrap within budget.
- Create and maintain project production calendars and staffing plans to meet creative goals.
- Define scope of work, engage and negotiate with crew, talent, composers and vendors; manage third party contractors and production personnel, approve time, invoices, and unbudgeted costs, including overtime while monitoring deliverables, crew hours within budget.
- Management and tracking of third party productions. Build project schedule and delivery plan, ensuring all contractors have a thorough understanding of network requirements and technical specs. Provide ongoing support and track deliverables through project duration.
- Manage post-production processes, including edit workflow and third party clearance, working with internal rights management stakeholders and legal to ensure rights are cleared and contracts are paid in a timely manner.
- Oversee vendor set ups and ensure accurate and timely compensation in compliance with contractual deliverables and company policies.
- Ongoing review of project cost report with key stakeholders or with contractual deliverable payments to ensure compliance. Vet budget and schedule adjustment requests and make recommendations to leadership where necessary.
- Management of assigned contractors as required.
- Proactively track project expenditure, generating cost reports as required. Make recommendations and propose budget and schedule adjustments through production.
- Support Director of Production Management and development team vet pitches and align third party line-item budgets and schedules during development, ensure compliance with Disney standards and alignment with creative.
- Meet regularly with leadership, Finance and Accounting to ensure accurate forecasting, reporting and track quarterly / annual accruals.
- Maintain current, working knowledge of corporate policies and procedures as it pertains to production, regularly seeking to innovate and improve efficiency.
Qualifications: (required)
- 3+ years as a Line Producer or 7+ years in senior production management for unscripted content at a network or production company.
- Extensive background in unscripted episodic, documentary film, short-form video, and podcast production, as well as scripted development.
- Expertise in creating and managing complex production budgets and schedules.
- Proven ability to lead and coordinate large, matrixed teams across functions, influencing outcomes and fostering collaboration without direct management authority; negotiate contracts with vendors and crews; and build strong internal and external relationships.
- Skilled at problem-solving under pressure and demonstrating flexibility to adapt to different production team needs.
- Comprehensive knowledge of production logistics, legal standards, health & safety protocols, and post-production workflows.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel), Google Suite, Airtable, Smartsheet, and other project management tools.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, follow-through, and record-keeping abilities.
- Curious and engaged in evolving industry practices, technology, and trends.
- Experienced in cash flow tracking, budget review, and management.
- Calm under pressure and a willingness to be flexible to determine how best to work with different production teams.
Required Education
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Additional Information: (i.e. physical requirements, holiday, nights, weekend shifts, etc.)
The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $121,000 to $162,200 per year and in Los Angeles, CA and Bristol, CT is $115,400 to $154,900 per year and in Charlotte, NC is $110,000 to $147,500.
How to Apply:
Apply online.
